The Panthers have hired a new wide receivers coach after deciding not to renew previous coach Lance Taylor’s contract, the team announced Friday – they’ll be moving forward with veteran coach Jim Hostler to help guide a young group of wideouts that includes 2018 first-round pick DJ Moore, 2017 second-round pick Curtis Samuel along with veterans Jarius Wright and Torrey Smith.

Hostler most recently spent 2018 as the Packers’ offense/pass game coordinator, helping to guide the Packers to a top-ten passing offense, which their quarterback likely had something to do with as well, but also helping wide receiver Davante Adams to his best season as he racked up 111 catches for 1,386 yards and 13 scores.

Hostler has experience working with wide receivers as he’s spent time in Indianapolis, first as wide receivers coach where he helped TY Hilton become the wideout he is today, and then as tight ends coach, where he molded Jack Doyle into one of the best receiving tight ends in the league. Hostler worked with Norv Turner in 2006 when they were both on staff in San Francisco.

Previous to Indianapolis, Hostler worked in Buffalo – with a rookie Sammy Watkins – and then in Baltimore, where he was wide receivers coach for six seasons, including the team’s Super Bowl winning season – the coach who began his career in 2000 with the New Orleans Saints spent time with Panthers wideout Smith as he helped Smith average 17.2 yards per catch from 2011-13, good for fifth best in the league over that stretch.

“I’m excited about the group. I studied DJ Moore last year when he was coming out. He was high on my list and I’m excited to work with him,” the 52-year oldĀ told Panthers.com. “I’ve watched tape of Curtis Samuel and he’s got a lot of skill. Hell of an athlete.

“And obviously I worked with Torrey in the past. I like the balance of young guys and veterans. Looking forward to working with all of them.”

Josh Klein on Twitter
Josh Klein
Editor-In-Chief at The Riot Report
Josh Klein is Editor-In-Chief of The Riot Report. His favorite Panther of all time is Chad Cota and he once AIM chatted with Kevin Greene. Follow Josh on Twitter @joshkleinrules.